Driver Licensing for Undocumented Immigrants

The granting of driver’s licenses and driving privileges to
undocumented immigrants has been a focal point in statehouses as comprehensive
federal immigration legislation has not been fully considered. The “Deferred
Action for Childhood Arrivals” (DACA) program for qualified individuals,
authorized through executive order on June 15, 2012 has further complicated the
issue of legal presence. A majority of states determined DACA grantees were eligible
for driver’s licenses.

In an effort to assist our membership in understanding
differing state approaches, AAMVA compiled resources regarding the issuance of
driver’s licenses to the undocumented immigrant population.

*While legislation was adopted to grant driving privileges to
undocumented immigrants, Oregon state voters rejected referendum Measure
88 on November 4, 2014, striking down the legislation.**Created a two-tiered driver's licensing system: a REAL-ID compliant driver's license and a non-compliant, standard driver's license for applicants who do not need to prove legal presence.